UFS to confer honorary degrees on Archbishop Thabo Makgoba, Prof Salim Abdool Karim

During the April 2024 graduation ceremonies on the Bloemfontein and Qwaqwa campuses, the University of the Free State (UFS) will confer honorary degrees on two distinguished individuals—Archbishop Thabo Makgoba and Prof Salim Abdool Karim—for their significant contributions to society in their respective fields. This prestigious acknowledgement is a testament to their outstanding contributions to society, academia, and the betterment of humanity.

The graduation ceremonies on the Qwaqwa Campus will take place from 12 to 13 April 2024, while the ceremonies on the Bloemfontein Campus will take place from 16 to 20 April 2024.

“We are honoured to recognise Archbishop Makgoba and Prof Abdool Karim for their exceptional contributions to society and academia,” says Prof Francis Petersen, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the UFS. “Both are highly reckoned and respected, and their exemplary leadership, scholarship, and unwavering commitment serve as guiding beacons for future generations.”

Archbishop Thabo Cecil Makgoba

A degree PhD in Theology (h.c.) will be awarded to Archbishop Makgoba on the Qwaqwa Campus on 12 April 2024. The degree is awarded on the grounds of exceptional other achievements of public service in accordance with the ideals and principles of the UFS.

Dr Thabo Cecil Makgoba, the esteemed Archbishop of Cape Town and Metropolitan of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa, has dedicated his life to fostering social justice, education, and spiritual guidance. Born in the Alexandra township, Johannesburg, and later residing in Soweto under apartheid laws, Dr Makgoba’s journey has been marked by resilience and unwavering commitment to uplifting communities. After his schooling at Orlando High, he graduated with a BSc from the University of the Witwatersrand, then trained as a priest at St Paul’s College in Makhanda, where he earned a diploma in theology. He further qualified with an honours degree in Applied Psychology, an MEd in Educational Psychology from the University of the Witwatersrand, and a PhD from the University of Cape Town. His academic achievements reflect his dedication to intellectual pursuits alongside his pastoral duties. Dr Makgoba’s impactful leadership as President of the South African Council of Churches and Chancellor of the University of the Western Cape has inspired countless individuals across the globe. He also received honorary doctorates from the General Theological Seminary, New York; Huron University College, Ontario; the University of the South, Tennessee; the University of the Witwatersrand; and Stellenbosch University. His memoir, Faith and Courage: Praying with Mandela, exemplifies his profound influence on reconciliatory efforts and spiritual guidance in challenging times.

Prof Salim Abdool Karim

A PhD in Medical Virology (h.c.) will be awarded to Prof Abdool Karim during the Faculty of Health Sciences graduation ceremony, which will take place on the Bloemfontein Campus on 18 April 2024. The degree is awarded for Prof Abdool Karim’s scholarship in medical virology and his distinguished contributions in this field.

Prof Salim S Abdool Karim (left), a distinguished clinical infectious disease epidemiologist, has garnered international acclaim for his groundbreaking research in HIV/AIDS and COVID-19. As Director of the Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA) and Professor of Global Health at Columbia University, Prof Abdool Karim has been at the forefront of scientific innovation and public health advocacy. His extensive publication record, including more than 500 journal articles and three epidemiology textbooks, underscores his dedication to advancing medical knowledge and combating infectious diseases. Prof Abdool Karim’s pivotal research on HIV prevention and treatment of HIV-TB co-infection has revolutionised healthcare practices globally, saving countless lives and shaping public health policies. He serves as Special Adviser on pandemics to the Director-General of the World Health Organisation, is an Adjunct Professor of Immunology and Infectious Diseases at Harvard University, Adjunct Professor of Medicine at Cornell University, and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research) at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Prof Abdool Karim serves as a member of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Science Council, is a Vice-President of the International Science Council, a member of the US National Academy of Medicine, and a Fellow of the Royal Society.

A total of 7 791 undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications will be awarded on the two campuses during the April 2024 graduation ceremonies. For further information and updates on the UFS April 2024 graduation ceremonies, visit https://www.ufs.ac.za/kovsielife/graduation